MI6 infiltrated North Korea hierarchy to spy on Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong un's kingdom of North Korea was subject of an infiltration bid by MI6Rodong Sinmun

British spies joined forces with South African agents in an attempt to infiltrate the Northern Korean regime by recruiting a native "asset" close to dictator Kim Jong-un.

Leaked spy cables published by Al-Jazeera reveal MI6 had advanced plans to infiltrate the secretive government of North Korea.

The leaked spy-cables discuss "an unusual opportunity" to gain insight into North Korea's secret nuclear programme - and one which will certainly enrage its dictator.

Apparently MI6 met with a high-ranking official to make an offer of money for "a long term clandestine relationship".

"We request your support to assist our officer," said one email to South Africa about a plan to contact the North Korean "target".

The British asked South African agents to "provide covert surveillance to identify [X] on his arrival" and "securely house him whilst our officer makes contact".

"The involvement of South Africa's authorities would not be apparent to the target - our officer would appear to be acting alone," said an email.

Al-Jazeera stated the individual is named in the spy cables, but his identity has been protected.

The cable concluded: "If successful, it could greatly assist our ongoing efforts to gain coverage of North Korean proliferation activity. Many thanks for your ongoing co-operation against this important target, which we hope will increase further in future".